Opinion

Storm lays down wind, ice, hail in Morgan County

Wind, icy roads and some hail were the main results of an overnight storm Monday that continued into today in Morgan County.

Morgan County Rural Electric Association reported 15 power poles down in locales dotted around the service area, with 422 customers affected but power restored overnight.

Winds blew at 40 to 50 miles an hour with gusts in the low 60s at Fort Morgan airport, Kyle Scott of Scott Aviation reported.

Roads were in good shape, county and Colorado Department of Transportation officials reported, with some slippery spots on Interstate 76 near the Fort Morgan port of entry and east of Brush.

A tree was blown down near Highway 144 and County Road V, Dick Early of the county bridge department reported.

Moisture estimates varied quite a bit, from .1 to .4 of an inch, said Marlin Eisenach, county extension agent.

The main concern with crops right now is wheat, with the growth point just below the surface making freezing a potential problem, he added.

While there were reports of hail in and south of Fort Morgan, at this time of year there is not much in the way of crops to be damaged.

Area schools were holding classes today except for Riverview Christian School between Fort Morgan and Brush.

Several events were called off, including a Colorado Department of Transportation meeting with local oficials (reset for April 29), a US Department of Agriculture strike force event (no makeup date set yet) and a Bonfils blood drive (donors are being contacted; those not contacted should contact Bonfils to set another appointment).